DepEd studies September school opening

By Ryan Chua, ABS-CBN News

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Education (DepEd) is seriously studying the possibility of rescheduling the opening of classes from June to September.

At a Senate hearing on the DepEd's proposed budget for 2012, Education Secretary Armin Luistro said classes are often disrupted by bad weather between June to December every year, based on its studies.

They are least disrupted from January to June, he said.

Schools in the Philippines open in June, which is also the start of the rainy season. Classes have often been suspended due to heavy rains and flooding.

Luistro said the DepEd is carefully studying whether and when it can adjust the school calendar.

"In my view all indications would lead to the need to revise the school year for the benefit of everyone," Senate finance committee chairman Franklin Drilon said after Monday's hearing.

Drilon added that the Senate will also study if there is a need for a new law resetting the school year.